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Who am I ?
DC
DEAN CLOSE
CHELTENHAM
PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL
O U R
V A L U E S
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Dean Close seeks to treat every member of the School community as unique and equally valuable
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I am
Happy
Young children are welcomed into our happy and
teacher to pupil ratio makes this possible, together
caring community, which nurtures confidence and
with our dedication to appreciate the individuality and
independence. The warm, family atmosphere provides
achievements of each and every child.
a secure environment in which children develop and flourish and are encouraged to understand the needs
The Christian ethos is at the heart of the School. We
of others.
believe that each child is a valued and unique member of the community and is loved by God.
We celebrate the relationship that each member of our staff has with every child and their family. Our high
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Dean Close believes the joy of discovery is at the heart of successful learning
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I am
Discovering
We understand that a child's first experience of school
One of the many ways we create irresistible learning
is a vital step in their learning journey, developing the
opportunities is through our regular WOW Days,
knowledge, skills and self confidence which lay the
when a whole day is dedicated to a particular theme.
foundations for their lives. The ability to think creatively
These special days bring learning to life, captivating
and solve problems is a key part of being able to
the children while creating an atmosphere of fun,
respond to our rapidly changing world. Our aim is to
enjoyment and excitement around the topic.
provide a broad and exciting, child-centred curriculum which will ignite a love of learning, enabling each child to develop and flourish as they take their first steps in education.
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I am
Inquisitive
Our beautiful School grounds provide the perfect
Further afield, regular educational visits to wildlife
environment to ensure that we can harness a child's
parks, farms and interactive museums fire
natural wonder and eagerness to explore and
children’s natural curiosity, whilst visiting authors,
understand their world. Our Forest School gives the
musicians, explorers and charity workers bring the
children the chance to discover the wonders of the
outside world into the classroom. We even have
forest as they build dens, create trails, forage for
hot air balloons ‘landing’ on the School field,
minibeasts and paint with mud, inspiring a love of
fire engines parked in the playground and Harrier
the natural world. Our wonderful library and ICT
Hawks soaring above our heads!
facilities ensure children can independently investigate and research their year group topics.
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Dean Close opens a child’s eyes to the wonder that is all around them
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I am
Creative
Art, cookery, drama, class music, strings group
world-renowned Carducci Quartet and are members of
and choir are all part of the normal school day and
the Pre-Prep strings orchestra. Many of these groups
just some of the ways we develop children’s
have won their classes at the Cheltenham Festival of
natural creativity.
Performing Arts for several years running.
Extra tuition is available for speech & drama;
We strongly encourage parents to come into School
gymnastics, ballet, modern and tap dance; and piano,
regularly to watch their child perform on the stage in
violin or cello lessons with specialist teachers. Young
our large Pre-Prep school hall and to share and
strings players are fortunate to be taught by the
celebrate their child’s achievements.
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Dean Close lets ambition and imaginations soar
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Dean Close nurtures excellent all-round development
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I am
Active
Our excellent facilities and teaching ensure that
playground. These provide a fantastic resource for
children gain the grounding they need to develop
physical activity enabling children to develop fully, from
co-ordination, manipulation and controlled movement.
the co-ordination needed in tennis, to the speed
Working and playing together equips them with an
needed on the rugby field.
understanding of co-operation and team work, which are so important in life.
Children are coached by specialist sports teachers in rugby, hockey, netball, althletics, gymnastics,
Facilities shared by the whole Dean Close community
swimming, tennis and dance and are able to compete
include a 25m indoor swimming pool, sports hall,
in School calendar events such as the tennis and
dance studio, tennis courts, extensive playing fields,
hockey tournaments and swimming galas.
astro-pitches, indoor gym and outdoor adventure
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I am
Growing
Within the Dean Close environment every child is
to talk to each child and circle time is used to develop
encouraged, through positive praise and gentle
their confidence when speaking in front of their peers.
guidance, to learn the rules of friendship, helpfulness and trust. Each class follows golden rules which
Children are encouraged to think of others by
teach consideration, politeness and generosity.
participating in charity events, such as supporting the
Learning how to communicate honestly and naturally
guide dogs for the blind; and sending Christmas
is vital in developing the social skills we all need
presents to less privileged children around the world.
building of water pumps in African villages; training
throughout life. Our staff enjoy taking time every day
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Dean Close values community, respect for others, willingness to help and responsibility for our own actions
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I am
Dean Close
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www.deanclose.org.uk
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DC
DEAN CLOSE
CHELTENHAM
PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL
DEAN CLOSE PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL Lansdown Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 6QS Telephone 01242 258079 Email squirrels@deanclose.org.uk www.deanclose.org.uk
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